The Right Way To Pour A Guinness From A Tap

Explaining the two-part pour

While it's easy to say that a two-part pour is essential for the perfect draft of Guinness, what are the specific steps involved in this technique? Fortunately, Berger is eager to share the details on how to apply this method specifically for Guinness.

The Guinness expert advises pouring your beer with the glass tilted at a 45-degree angle relative to the tap. This technique allows the head to form without overflowing—just ensure the glass is close to (but not touching) the spout. Unlike other beers, you should stop pouring before the glass is completely full. Berger suggests that when the stout reaches about 75% full, or roughly where the golden harp is located on the glass, you should straighten the glass as needed. This step helps the nitrogen in Guinness to settle properly.

Those tiny bubbles you notice in Guinness that appear to be descending? They result from nitrogen "cascading down the side of the glass and rising through the center of the pint to create that lovely, creamy head," Berger explains. He continues the process by stating that "once the pint has fully settled, top it off by pushing the handle away from you." You'll need to let the beer settle once more, but the outcome is a rich, stunning glass of Guinness that will have you craving another pint in no time.

How to make the most of your pour

The two-step pouring technique described by Berger is a dependable and consistent method for achieving the ideal pint of Guinness every time. He emphasizes, however, that the choice of glass is crucial. The impact of your beer glass is more significant than you might realize, and this holds true for Guinness as well. Berger suggests using the Guinness gravity glass, which features its iconic brass harp logo positioned around the essential 75% fill line—this is particularly useful when employing the two-pour technique. Nevertheless, any stout glass will suffice.

Berger also stresses the importance of patience when pouring Guinness to ensure a top-notch result. He notes that "from the start of pouring to serving, the entire process should take 119.5 seconds." While it might be tempting to rush the pour and serve immediately, allowing the beer to settle properly will reward you with a superior pint. Unlike lighter beers, Guinness requires a more careful approach to pouring. This unique method not only enhances the experience but also highlights what makes the Irish brand special, making the wait for that perfect pint well worth it.